Saul's story is a tragic one. He began his kingship with such promise and with the powerful anointing of the Lord. But power and arrogance corrupted his soul and he came to a miserable end, even alienating himself from God. Often the mighty are brought low and the lowly exalted. We can never judge another life, least of all our own. We live one day at a time, striving to love and to serve to the best of our ability. It is only by our love and service that our life can be measured.

Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners - the people we hate and despise? The contemporaries of Jesus always asked this question but the reason is simple: Jesus - and the Father who sent him - does not despise or reject anyone. Jesus explains that those who are not sick do not need a doctor but that the afflicted are desperate for compassion and encouragement. The Church is not an exclusive club for the saved and the saintly. We are a collection of people at various stages of our journey - some holy and some not so holy - but equally loved by God. We are learning. We are incomplete. We are all in need of grace and mercy. No one can afford to reject or look down on another. As individuals and as a Christian community we need to reach out compassionately to those who are hurting the most - they are our brothers and sisters. Let us begin by praying humbly and sincerely for those towards whom we have negative feelings and opinions.